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mental_floss: The Book: The Greatest Lists in the History of Listory
For ten years, the knowledge seekers at mental_floss have been hunting and trapping the world’s rarest facts, locking them into captivating lists for the world to admire. Thanks to their tireless efforts, Mental The Book is packed with a decade’s worth of the smartest, quirkiest stories around,
Five Presidential Fashion FlubsSeven Shameless Abuses of Diplomatic ImmunityFive Units of Measurement Weirder Than the Metric SystemFour Toys That Have Gone to War for AmericaSeven Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor EverFive Things Your Body Can Do After You DieSix of Baseball’s Strangest TradesFour Foods People Actually Die ForSeven Things Walmart Has BannedFour TV Shows That Changed the Course of HistoryTen “Q” Words That Aren’t “Q-U” WordsFour Horrifying Parasites to Keep You Awake at NightEight Fake Archaeological FindsFive Articles of Clothing That Caused RiotsFour Memorable Moments in Cross-Dressing HistoryFive Doomsdays We’ve Already SurvivedAnd 124 Other Extraordinary Lists!
Five Presidential Fashion FlubsSeven Shameless Abuses of Diplomatic ImmunityFive Units of Measurement Weirder Than the Metric SystemFour Toys That Have Gone to War for AmericaSeven Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor EverFive Things Your Body Can Do After You DieSix of Baseball’s Strangest TradesFour Foods People Actually Die ForSeven Things Walmart Has BannedFour TV Shows That Changed the Course of HistoryTen “Q” Words That Aren’t “Q-U” WordsFour Horrifying Parasites to Keep You Awake at NightEight Fake Archaeological FindsFive Articles of Clothing That Caused RiotsFour Memorable Moments in Cross-Dressing HistoryFive Doomsdays We’ve Already SurvivedAnd 124 Other Extraordinary Lists!
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
235 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 17, 2020
Mental_floss publishes a series of books that touch on humorous stories, unknown facts, etc. In this one, they address the greatest lists in the history of listory. It is more fun than a barrel of monkeys (although I have never been quite sure why a barrel of monkeys would be much fun). Nevertheless, this is a great little reference book to read at lunch or before you retire for the night. It is not a book to read straight through....just in spurts. Let me give you an idea of some of the lists that will make you smile.
* The 10 greatest presidential campaign slogans
* Four of the most useless projects and oddest projects in the world.
*Four aphrodisiacs from around the world
* Five mind boggling psychiatric treatment
* Eight messiest food festivals in the world.
* What seven of your favorite movies were almost called.
That is just a sample of some of the interesting lists. You may know a few of the entries but it still provides entertainment for the trivia buff. Have fun with it.
* The 10 greatest presidential campaign slogans
* Four of the most useless projects and oddest projects in the world.
*Four aphrodisiacs from around the world
* Five mind boggling psychiatric treatment
* Eight messiest food festivals in the world.
* What seven of your favorite movies were almost called.
That is just a sample of some of the interesting lists. You may know a few of the entries but it still provides entertainment for the trivia buff. Have fun with it.
December 19, 2011
4.5 Stars
I was very impressed with this book, there was a mix of pop culture tidbits as well as little known historical and scientific facts. You could definitely find some facts in here that would impress friends when you sprinkle them into everyday conversation.
There's a list for everyone here, from the Muppets, to sports, to US Presidents, there's a bit of everything. Who knew that some of the quotes that I always attributed to Mark Twain, weren't really his quotes at all? And no other book has ever referenced Steve McQueen as many times as this one.
It's not labeled as a kids book or anything, but I think the book is family friendly. I think the whole family would enjoy this book and learn a lot of useful and not so useful (but still fun) information. It's been a week or so since I finished reading the book, and I'm still quoting it all the time!
This is a fun gift book or coffee table book that can be enjoyed by everyone.
sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I was very impressed with this book, there was a mix of pop culture tidbits as well as little known historical and scientific facts. You could definitely find some facts in here that would impress friends when you sprinkle them into everyday conversation.
There's a list for everyone here, from the Muppets, to sports, to US Presidents, there's a bit of everything. Who knew that some of the quotes that I always attributed to Mark Twain, weren't really his quotes at all? And no other book has ever referenced Steve McQueen as many times as this one.
It's not labeled as a kids book or anything, but I think the book is family friendly. I think the whole family would enjoy this book and learn a lot of useful and not so useful (but still fun) information. It's been a week or so since I finished reading the book, and I'm still quoting it all the time!
This is a fun gift book or coffee table book that can be enjoyed by everyone.
sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
December 6, 2011
The Good Stuff
A trivia buffs wet dream - this is full of tons of little tidbits that fellow trivia nerds will enjoy
Quirky humour goes well with the subject matter
Well researched
Quick and easy to read
Learned tons of interesting facts
Truly fascinating historical tidbits
Loved the list Seven Shameless Abuses of Diplomatic Immunity
Nicely organized (Hello I am a nerdy Librarian, these things matter)
Awesome section: Lists You can share with your kids (or your inner child)
Also enjoyed Lists to Lighten the Mood at the E.R. (Hey reading it out loud would help pass the time and make everybody feel better, which in turn may empty out some of the ER)
I am sooo going to kick butt at trivia games thanks to this book - I mean its filled wit h fun facts at the bottom of each page like "Fredric Baur invented the Pringles can. When he died in 2008, his ashes were buried in one."
Tons of fun pop culture references and lists
The Not So Good Stuff
Some of the pages are a little too busy for this scatterbrained mom
the lines on left hand side of each page really bother my eyes
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"If you remember one thing from the first Bush administration, it's probably not the 1992 state dinner during which President George H. W. Bush, ill with the flu, lost his lunch in the lap of the Japanese prime minister.. Well, a lot of Japanese remember that incident a little better. Turns out, Bush's faux pas coined a Japanese slang word, bushusure, which translates as "to the Bush thing," meaning "to vomit".
"In 1943 Philip Morris ran an ad acknowledging "Smokers cough" They claimed it was caused by smoking brands other than Philip Morris."
"At the chain Fatburger, you can order a "Hypocrite" a veggie burger topped with crispy strips of bacon."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
A Must have for Trivia Nerds
Would be a fun housewarming gift - perfect for the coffee table
4.5 Dewey's
I received this from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review
A trivia buffs wet dream - this is full of tons of little tidbits that fellow trivia nerds will enjoy
Quirky humour goes well with the subject matter
Well researched
Quick and easy to read
Learned tons of interesting facts
Truly fascinating historical tidbits
Loved the list Seven Shameless Abuses of Diplomatic Immunity
Nicely organized (Hello I am a nerdy Librarian, these things matter)
Awesome section: Lists You can share with your kids (or your inner child)
Also enjoyed Lists to Lighten the Mood at the E.R. (Hey reading it out loud would help pass the time and make everybody feel better, which in turn may empty out some of the ER)
I am sooo going to kick butt at trivia games thanks to this book - I mean its filled wit h fun facts at the bottom of each page like "Fredric Baur invented the Pringles can. When he died in 2008, his ashes were buried in one."
Tons of fun pop culture references and lists
The Not So Good Stuff
Some of the pages are a little too busy for this scatterbrained mom
the lines on left hand side of each page really bother my eyes
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"If you remember one thing from the first Bush administration, it's probably not the 1992 state dinner during which President George H. W. Bush, ill with the flu, lost his lunch in the lap of the Japanese prime minister.. Well, a lot of Japanese remember that incident a little better. Turns out, Bush's faux pas coined a Japanese slang word, bushusure, which translates as "to the Bush thing," meaning "to vomit".
"In 1943 Philip Morris ran an ad acknowledging "Smokers cough" They claimed it was caused by smoking brands other than Philip Morris."
"At the chain Fatburger, you can order a "Hypocrite" a veggie burger topped with crispy strips of bacon."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
A Must have for Trivia Nerds
Would be a fun housewarming gift - perfect for the coffee table
4.5 Dewey's
I received this from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review
December 13, 2011
If you're not familiar with Mental Floss, let me catch you up to speed. Back in 2001, Mental Floss launched a bi-monthly magazine presenting educational pieces and factoids in humorous ways. Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur co-founded Mental_Floss when they were still students at Duke University. (Will Pearson and Mangesh Hattikudur among Inc. magazine's 30 "coolest young entrepreneurs"). Since then, Mental Floss has grown into a very popular blog, which contains trivia, humor, lists, and pop culture. They have also published several books, and sold witty merchandise that's both smart and funny.
Mental_Floss The Book: Only the Greatest Lists in the History of Listory celebrates its 10th Anniversary with this compilation of compilations. Let's face it, we all love lists.
In addition to the lists, and there are also fun facts running along the bottom of the pages, like a news ticker, except this one is more fun than what MSNBC has going across the bottom of their screen. Learn things like:
- Alaska is the only state whose name can be typed on one row of keys.
- Slumber Party Barbie of 1965 came with her own "How to Lose Weight" book. One of the tips: "Don't eat."
- No U.S. President was an only child
- The "black box" on an airplane is actually blaze orange, which makes it easier to find amid wreckage after a crash
No, I have not read this book cover to cover. I don't think this is the kind of book where you're supposed to do that, or at the very least, skipping around is not frowned upon. There are no rules with Mental_Floss.
It's a great gift book for those people in your life that like Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy...or something to read each morning while they're eating their Corn Flakes (which, in a 1907 ad campaign, offered a free box of cereal to any woman who winked at her grocer.).
Mental_Floss The Book: Only the Greatest Lists in the History of Listory celebrates its 10th Anniversary with this compilation of compilations. Let's face it, we all love lists.
In addition to the lists, and there are also fun facts running along the bottom of the pages, like a news ticker, except this one is more fun than what MSNBC has going across the bottom of their screen. Learn things like:
- Alaska is the only state whose name can be typed on one row of keys.
- Slumber Party Barbie of 1965 came with her own "How to Lose Weight" book. One of the tips: "Don't eat."
- No U.S. President was an only child
- The "black box" on an airplane is actually blaze orange, which makes it easier to find amid wreckage after a crash
No, I have not read this book cover to cover. I don't think this is the kind of book where you're supposed to do that, or at the very least, skipping around is not frowned upon. There are no rules with Mental_Floss.
It's a great gift book for those people in your life that like Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy...or something to read each morning while they're eating their Corn Flakes (which, in a 1907 ad campaign, offered a free box of cereal to any woman who winked at her grocer.).
January 17, 2012
If you're familiar with Mental_Floss, then you know already how awesome it is that such a thing as Mental_Floss The Book exists. If somehow you have missed out, it's a magazine for geeks that focuses on all kinds of trivia. This book is made up completely of random trivia lists that have appeared in Mental_Floss. Some examples? This list is from the Goodreads Publisher description and should give you an idea:
Five Presidential Fashion Flubs
Seven Shameless Abuses of Diplomatic Immunity
Five Units of Measurement Weirder Than the Metric System
Four Toys That Have Gone to War for America
Seven Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever
Five Things Your Body Can Do After You Die
Four Foods People Actually Die For
Seven Things Walmart Has Banned
Ten “Q” Words That Aren’t “Q-U” Words
Four Horrifying Parasites to Keep You Awake at Night
Five Articles of Clothing That Caused Riots
Four Memorable Moments in Cross-Dressing History
Five Doomsdays We’ve Already Survived
It's hard to do my typical Writing/EntertainmentValue review on this kind of book. If you're not interested by now then I'm afraid there's no hope. Trust me when I say that you need to check this out. I cannot recommend it enough to basically anyone with the ability to read. It's a great bathroom book, a great book for when you're sick, a great book to carry around and read a little at a time in doctors' offices, etc, etc ad nauseum. Buy this book! I'm not even kidding.
Five Presidential Fashion Flubs
Seven Shameless Abuses of Diplomatic Immunity
Five Units of Measurement Weirder Than the Metric System
Four Toys That Have Gone to War for America
Seven Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever
Five Things Your Body Can Do After You Die
Four Foods People Actually Die For
Seven Things Walmart Has Banned
Ten “Q” Words That Aren’t “Q-U” Words
Four Horrifying Parasites to Keep You Awake at Night
Five Articles of Clothing That Caused Riots
Four Memorable Moments in Cross-Dressing History
Five Doomsdays We’ve Already Survived
It's hard to do my typical Writing/EntertainmentValue review on this kind of book. If you're not interested by now then I'm afraid there's no hope. Trust me when I say that you need to check this out. I cannot recommend it enough to basically anyone with the ability to read. It's a great bathroom book, a great book for when you're sick, a great book to carry around and read a little at a time in doctors' offices, etc, etc ad nauseum. Buy this book! I'm not even kidding.
November 25, 2011
Mental_Floss The Book: Only the Greatest Lists in the History of Listory edited by Ethan Trex, Will Pearson, and Mangesth Hattikudur is a collection of lists that span the 10 years that Mental_Floss has been in the business of collecting information that is odd, off-the-beaten path, and just down right funny. The Website has not only trivia games, but also quizzes, blogs, and amazing facts (Here’s one of my favorites, especially since Muppets are the order of the day in my house these days — particularly Elmo)
The lists included in this book range in topics from impressing diplomats, presidents or other important people to how to lighten the mood in the emergency room. There are lists for nearly every occasion. Naturally, readers and writers will enjoy the list entitled “Lists for People Who Can’t Write Good,” which tells a tale of writers betting that Ernest Hemingway (though it may have been another writer) could not write a six word sentence that was a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. In the end, the other writers lost when the sentence written said, “For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never worn.” (page 183)
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2011/11/m...
The lists included in this book range in topics from impressing diplomats, presidents or other important people to how to lighten the mood in the emergency room. There are lists for nearly every occasion. Naturally, readers and writers will enjoy the list entitled “Lists for People Who Can’t Write Good,” which tells a tale of writers betting that Ernest Hemingway (though it may have been another writer) could not write a six word sentence that was a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. In the end, the other writers lost when the sentence written said, “For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never worn.” (page 183)
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2011/11/m...
December 29, 2011
I'm a huge fan of Mental_Floss magazine and I'm a huge fan of lists. If there is a top ten list anywhere I want to read it. Mental_Floss has put together this fabulous book that is the mother load of lists. If you're not familiar with Mental_Floss their tag line is "Where knowledge junkies get their fix". The magazine is chocked full of interesting tidbits from music to science to history and more. I had high expectations for this book. I was not disappointed.
This book contains lists of:
The Five Most Annoying People in History
14 Fictional Characters Whose Names You Didn't Know
Eight Latin Phrases You Pretend to Understand
Eight Celebs and their Incredibly Odd Phobias
Six Tasty Foods Named After People
There are hundreds of lists in this book. I love looking through this book. The lists are great to read. This would make a great coffee table book. You can read it cover to cover one list at a time or you can just flip through it every now and again. The History of Listory is a great read. It's very entertaining and fun. If you love lists or know someone that does. I'd definitely recommend this book.
This book contains lists of:
The Five Most Annoying People in History
14 Fictional Characters Whose Names You Didn't Know
Eight Latin Phrases You Pretend to Understand
Eight Celebs and their Incredibly Odd Phobias
Six Tasty Foods Named After People
There are hundreds of lists in this book. I love looking through this book. The lists are great to read. This would make a great coffee table book. You can read it cover to cover one list at a time or you can just flip through it every now and again. The History of Listory is a great read. It's very entertaining and fun. If you love lists or know someone that does. I'd definitely recommend this book.
December 19, 2011
4.5 Stars
I was very impressed with this book, there was a mix of pop culture tidbits as well as little known historical and scientific facts. You could definitely find some facts in here that would impress friends when you sprinkle them into everyday conversation.
There's a list for everyone here, from the Muppets, to sports, to US Presidents, there's a bit of everything. Who knew that some of the quotes that I always attributed to Mark Twain, weren't really his quotes at all? And no other book has ever referenced Steve McQueen as many times as this one.
It's not labeled as a kids book or anything, but I think the book is family friendly. I think the whole family would enjoy this book and learn a lot of useful and not so useful (but still fun) information. It's been a week or so since I finished reading the book, and I'm still quoting it all the time!
This is a fun gift book or coffee table book that can be enjoyed by everyone.
sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I was very impressed with this book, there was a mix of pop culture tidbits as well as little known historical and scientific facts. You could definitely find some facts in here that would impress friends when you sprinkle them into everyday conversation.
There's a list for everyone here, from the Muppets, to sports, to US Presidents, there's a bit of everything. Who knew that some of the quotes that I always attributed to Mark Twain, weren't really his quotes at all? And no other book has ever referenced Steve McQueen as many times as this one.
It's not labeled as a kids book or anything, but I think the book is family friendly. I think the whole family would enjoy this book and learn a lot of useful and not so useful (but still fun) information. It's been a week or so since I finished reading the book, and I'm still quoting it all the time!
This is a fun gift book or coffee table book that can be enjoyed by everyone.
sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
December 22, 2011
In it’s most basic form, this book is fact, not fiction…but it deals with a myriad of subjects both intellectually stimulating and funny bone jostling that you’ll be hooked, lined, and sinker-ed whether you read it cover to cover or in wee little bites like a too rich cheesecake (yes, I was hungry when I wrote this). That’s right my friends; a book of lists with room to spare for both laughter and learning….quite the combo and very satisfying.
In short….
1.…a great book for fun time readers as well as the most studious amongst you.
2.…a great gift for the holiday season to educate AND entertain.
3.…you’ll learn something new, guaranteed…and you’ll have a great time doing it.
4.…you will find yourself spouting out random fun facts JUST to impress your friends after absorbing this wealth of information. (Trust me, been there…done that.)
5.I enjoyed this book and think you will too….in case there was any doubt. ^_^
In short….
1.…a great book for fun time readers as well as the most studious amongst you.
2.…a great gift for the holiday season to educate AND entertain.
3.…you’ll learn something new, guaranteed…and you’ll have a great time doing it.
4.…you will find yourself spouting out random fun facts JUST to impress your friends after absorbing this wealth of information. (Trust me, been there…done that.)
5.I enjoyed this book and think you will too….in case there was any doubt. ^_^
December 14, 2011
What do you want to know today? How about “Six Works of Literature That Were Really Hard to Write?” or “Moons of the non-Gluteal Variety”. This book can tell you all that and so much more! In a really funny compilation of various subjects the folks at Mental_Floss tell us of things odd and odder but all interesting.
The introduction in itself is worth a chuckle or two and the following chapters make this a great gift for anyone on your Christmas list you haven’t shopped for yet. After all, where else can you find out about Bumpy, Hickey, Chesty and Seven Other Rejected Dwarf Names? If not for someone else, treat yourself, you’ll enjoy it thoroughly.
The introduction in itself is worth a chuckle or two and the following chapters make this a great gift for anyone on your Christmas list you haven’t shopped for yet. After all, where else can you find out about Bumpy, Hickey, Chesty and Seven Other Rejected Dwarf Names? If not for someone else, treat yourself, you’ll enjoy it thoroughly.
December 12, 2011
If nothing else, Mental_Floss: The Book is excellent material for the trivia nerd in your life, and I'm sure I will be using the site's future lists to badger unsuspecting relatives and Facebook/Twitter friends.
For super awesome facts and the use of an interrobang, my full review can be found on Glorified Love Letters.
For super awesome facts and the use of an interrobang, my full review can be found on Glorified Love Letters.
December 19, 2011
Seriously hilarious & fun & just exactly something I love. This book is so full or random (and rather useless) trivia and it makes me so very, very happy! :) I LOVE learning weird & obscure facts. I spent the 3 days it took to read this frequently saying- Whoa! Did you know...?!
Apparently Dr. Suess invented the word 'nerd'. Win
Apparently Dr. Suess invented the word 'nerd'. Win
January 2, 2012
I'm a trivia nerd and a list nerd, so it was love at first page. The Mental Floss folks have a knack for knowing what trivia isn't "too trivial" - everything was interesting. I particularly enjoyed the 7 things banned by Wal-Mart and the random Mr. Rogers facts.
November 13, 2011
This book was funny and informative. I will be annoying my friends and family for years to come with little factoids relating to almost any situation!
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November 23, 2011
I love this sort of thing, and mental_floss NEVER disappoints. Lots of fun facts in list form for easy, and quick, reading.
December 8, 2011
Cute, clever, and fascinating!
May 18, 2018
It had a lot of interesting facts that were well explained. I felt it was much better than the last book of facts I read that left me feeling I needed to use google in order to learn any significant amount about the topic. It was also very entertaining and I found myself sharing things I read with my coworkers (fellow teachers xD). My favorite fact:
In the 1964 election Goldwater used the slogan "In your heart you know he's right" to which Johnson responded with the slogan "In your guts you know he's nuts" xD
In the 1964 election Goldwater used the slogan "In your heart you know he's right" to which Johnson responded with the slogan "In your guts you know he's nuts" xD
December 6, 2019
Excellent collection
I have always enjoyed the Mental Floss books! And this one doesn't disappoint. It's thought provoking and just plain fun.
I have always enjoyed the Mental Floss books! And this one doesn't disappoint. It's thought provoking and just plain fun.
October 27, 2020
It was ok!
This book is rich with a vast amount of information..but to be quite honest, I just found a lot of the topics not interesting.
This book is rich with a vast amount of information..but to be quite honest, I just found a lot of the topics not interesting.
January 2, 2022
I love random collections of knowledge, and mental floss does not disappoint. If you like the website, you'll like this.
March 2, 2025
Too Long — ( ? )
Books like this are enjoyable enough is short dosages, but this became tedious, even when attempting to spread it out over several days ( ! )
Books like this are enjoyable enough is short dosages, but this became tedious, even when attempting to spread it out over several days ( ! )
June 20, 2025
I never knew this.
lots of interesting info that you can put in your basic memory. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more like it.
lots of interesting info that you can put in your basic memory. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more like it.
August 13, 2016
Do you like facts? Fun facts, interesting facts, facts that are conversation starters? Then this book is for you! Filled with lists of facts that are just funny, interesting, and yeah... sometimes down right odd...
Here are a few examples:
Five Presidential Fashion Flubs (did you know that Thomas Jefferson sometimes greeted dignitaries while wearing his PJ's?)
Questions that probably need answers Immediately (can a pregnant woman drive in the carpool lane - appears that is a yes)
Eight Everyday Items Brought To You By NASA (smoke detectors is on the list, so are cordless tools... but something is conspicuously missing!)
The Stories Behind 9 Muppet Favorites (did you know Kermit was born in 1955 and originally made his appearance on a show called Sam and Friends?)
6 Laws Of Cartoon Physics (such as the fact that weapons never work well and you can pull anything out of a bag or coat)
Missing Body Parts of Famous People (While Stonewall Jackson is busied in Lexington, VA, his arm... well that is busied elsewhere...)
Six Tasty Foods Names After People (Graham crackers and nachos are on this list..)
When both my boys were home a few months ago this book was on the coffee table (yes in the family room we still have a coffee table.... sounds so 70's when I type it out...) and we poured over this book. We took turns sharing random facts, sometimes laughing out loud, others times saying "What? How can that be?"
In the end we all felt we knew a little more and were a little more prepared if we were ever chosen to be on Jeopardy. A lot of fun and this will be sitting out for myself s well as company for a long time.
Here are a few examples:
Five Presidential Fashion Flubs (did you know that Thomas Jefferson sometimes greeted dignitaries while wearing his PJ's?)
Questions that probably need answers Immediately (can a pregnant woman drive in the carpool lane - appears that is a yes)
Eight Everyday Items Brought To You By NASA (smoke detectors is on the list, so are cordless tools... but something is conspicuously missing!)
The Stories Behind 9 Muppet Favorites (did you know Kermit was born in 1955 and originally made his appearance on a show called Sam and Friends?)
6 Laws Of Cartoon Physics (such as the fact that weapons never work well and you can pull anything out of a bag or coat)
Missing Body Parts of Famous People (While Stonewall Jackson is busied in Lexington, VA, his arm... well that is busied elsewhere...)
Six Tasty Foods Names After People (Graham crackers and nachos are on this list..)
When both my boys were home a few months ago this book was on the coffee table (yes in the family room we still have a coffee table.... sounds so 70's when I type it out...) and we poured over this book. We took turns sharing random facts, sometimes laughing out loud, others times saying "What? How can that be?"
In the end we all felt we knew a little more and were a little more prepared if we were ever chosen to be on Jeopardy. A lot of fun and this will be sitting out for myself s well as company for a long time.
July 29, 2015
Emily, Main youth services staff, July 2015, 5 stars:
This book is perfect for the following types of readers:
-People who enjoy weird facts
-People who don't have the time/energy to read a novel
-Fans of mental_floss
-People who desperately need to know the identity of the actual first US president (hint: it's not GW!)
(Did you see what I did there with the list? I hope mental_floss would approve.)
This book is perfect for the following types of readers:
-People who enjoy weird facts
-People who don't have the time/energy to read a novel
-Fans of mental_floss
-People who desperately need to know the identity of the actual first US president (hint: it's not GW!)
(Did you see what I did there with the list? I hope mental_floss would approve.)
April 10, 2012
Book 15 of 52
If you love collecting useless information, this book is for you! It reminded me of what a long version of The Amazing Book of Useless Information (which is a favorite of mine) would be like. Lots of interesting lists and subjects. Would make an excellent coffee table/waiting room book.
If you love collecting useless information, this book is for you! It reminded me of what a long version of The Amazing Book of Useless Information (which is a favorite of mine) would be like. Lots of interesting lists and subjects. Would make an excellent coffee table/waiting room book.
July 31, 2013
I'm not sure how to rate a book composed only of lists. Some of the lists were interesting. Some of them weren't. I love Mental Floss stuff in general, so I wasn't disapponted with what I read. It has at least one list everyone can get interested in. It's skimming material.
April 11, 2012
Perfect - short and snappy tidbits of interesting info. I also really liked the variety of subjects covered. Great for bathroom reading!
July 10, 2012
I just love books of lists in any shape or form, and this one from mental_floss is near the top of MY list of favorites!
July 10, 2012
loads of fun, although I had already read many of the entries due to cracked.com
September 16, 2012
Guess it's not a good idea to read this in one sitting . . . 'cause now I don't remember much o' anything. Actually, too much of this cannot be verified.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews